Iraq Leadership Fellows

Abdullah Al-Nadawi is responsible for building voluntary teams at Dialas Organization. Among other campaigns, he led an advocacy campaign to protect countrywomen from domestic violence in his city, Diyala. Abdullah is also a researcher with a Master degree in Human Rights and Public Freedom. He focuses his research on child protection in conflict, state responsibility in crimes committed against humanity, and protecting the right to vote. Abdullah is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Abdullah Zainulabdeen is the Director of Volunteer with Us Foundation for Relief and Development in Mosul. He is currently studying to get a Bachlor’s degree in International Relations. Abdullah participated in many activities with IRIS, CGDS, and UNAOC and succeeded in getting several certificates in volunteering, project management, team leading, and public relations. He is taking part in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

AbuObaydah Abdulrazaq is a Medical Intern from Anbar. He is also the president of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), Anbar branch. Through his work with IFMSA, he led several workshops for other IFMSA members focused on time and stress management. AbuObaydah also led a number of fundraising campaigns to provide healthcare and assistance to IDPs in Baghdad and Kirkuk. He is currently pursuing a M.B.Ch.B degree from Anbar College of Medicine. He is participating in the Political Candidate track of the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Ako Kaky is a community activist and university professor from Kirkuk. He took part in many volunteering activities with the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and Kokar Foundation for sustainable development and Volunteerism. He had a leading role in “For You” campaign to support IDPs. In addition to his job as a Chemistry lecturer at the University of Kirkuk, Ako is interested and works on gender equality, peacebuilding, and promoting good governance. His future plans are to go for local elections in Kirkuk. He is participating in the Political Candidate Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Ali Al-herz is a Board Member at Tabanni Foundation for Active Youth in his city, Maysan. He led a campaign to provide humanitarian help to families displaced to Maysan during the war against ISIS, and another campaign to advocate the rights of protestors in southern Iraq. Ali was also a member of Rasd Network to observe National Elections in 2018. In addition to his social activism, Ali works in Information Technology, Promotion, and Marketing. He is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Ali Kurd is a Trainer and Social Activist in his city, Diwaniyah. He participated in many training activities implemented by UNICEF, UNESCO, and the British Council in Diwaniyah. Through his activism work, he focuses on education and children’s rights. He served as a part of the “Not Leaving School” campaign to minimize students’ dropouts from schools and integrate children with special needs with the rest of their classmates. In addition to his degree in Chemistry, Ali has a number of certificates in training and active citizenship. He is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Ali Al-Satroi is a journalist and blogger from Baghdad. He is also the head of marketing and public relations at Apkaiio House for Printing and Publishing. Ali worked earlier at IWPR as an editor where he received a number of certificates in Journalism, in addition to his Bachelor’s degree in Media. In his articles and blogs, he focuses on peaceful coexistence, religious enlightenment, and the renewal of Islamic speech. Ali also conducted many volunteering activities to promote freedom of speech and to encourage equal opportunities for Iraqi people. He is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Amer Osman is the Team Leader of Logistics in Sinuni Hospital in Sinjar. He previously worked with Doctors without Borders (MSF) where he pursued his interest in humanitarian activism. After the disaster struck Sinjar, Amer was a part of several social management campaigns to help his fellow Yazidis who were able to escape from ISIS captivity, and other campaigns to encourage the return of Yazidi IDPs to Sinjar after the city was liberated. Amer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, along with several other technical certificates. He is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Ammar Al Jaabawi is the Official spokesman and Board of Directors members of the Knowledge Center for Studies, Research, Development and Training in Baghdad. He also worked as the Political Guidance Officer with the Iraqi Islamic Supreme Council. Ammar has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Baghdad University and a Master’s degree in Political Science from Nahrain University. He is participating in the Political Candidate track of the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Asia Samarae is a social activist from Salahaddin. She is also an administrative member at the Iraqi Family Organization, Al-Bahtri Foundation for Relief and Development, and Samarra Culture Foundation. Asia has a Master’s degree in Fundamental Jurisprudence from Imam Al-Khadem University in Baghdad. She is taking part in the Political Candidate track of the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Asma’a Abdullah is a Researcher and Activist from Baghdad. She focuses her social activism work on peacebuilding, youth empowerment, legal issues, and preserving Iraqi cultural heritage. After the conclusion of the Iraq Forum: Youth & Coexistence held by the Iraqi Al-Amal Association, Asma’a represented Iraqi youth to deliver their demands to the office of Prime Minister. She also participated as a volunteer in several educational and cultural activities. Asma’a is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Dalya Ahmed is an active researcher, genocide scholar, and a member of the IAGS (International Association of Genocide Scholars). Currently, she is presuing an online certerficate in Genocide Prevention from Stockton University. Dalya is currently planning to launch a wide campaign in Iraq with other Iraqi activists from the same program to raise awareness and prevent genocide and crimes against humanity. The main goal is to raise public awareness through education and media, as well as to enhance coordination between state institutions and NGOs in order to restore confidence and trust among the Iraqi people. Dalya is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Fatimah Al-Gailani is a Dentist and Civil Activist from Karbala. She is a member of the Gift of Healing Foundation for voluntary medical assistance. Through her experience in voluntary work, Fatimah led a volunteering team to stand against domestic violence and child marriage. She also worked with Amnesty International on documenting and monitoring human rights violations in Iraq. In addition to her degree in Dentistry, Fatimah holds many certificates in Psychological health, human rights protection, Peacebuilding, and conflict resolution. She is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Ghazala Elias is from Sinjar and she is working as a Projects Manager at Youth Bridge Organization. She also worked as a Community Mobilizer for a number of NGOs including Rawangah and Harikar to encourage IDPs in the camps to identify their needs and participate in the various activities aimed at empower them. Ghazala is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. She is participating in the Political Candidate track of the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Hadeel Al-Azzawi is an International Arbitration Advisor and a lawyer from Baghdad. She is a founding member of the She Has a Right campaign to defend women’s rights, and leading the Stop Domestic Violence campaign. Hadeel is also a member of the Al-Nama’a Center for Human Rights – Baghdad Team, where she wrote reports and conducted research on the risks of child beggary, rights of disabled people, and how to eradicate racism and discrimination. Hadeel is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Hiba Alyasarat is an Administrative Assistant at the Iraqi Civic Action Network in Babil, and a Data Officer for the Promoting Youth Political Participation project funded by NED. She is also a member of the social accountability team developed by USAID’s program, Takamul. Among her other volunteering activities, Hiba utilized her degree in English to act as a volunteering English teacher in Iraqi public schools to overcome the shortfall of teachers in her city. Hiba is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Hind Sumaida is a social activist from Diyala. She previously worked with the International Rescue Organization as a Protection Monitor providing an assessment of the basic needs of IDP families in Diyala. Hind also worked with UNFP as a Liaison Officer where she led workshops and peer education sessions and activities for women inside IDP camps. She has a Bachelor’s degree from College of Basic Education at Diyala University. Hind is participating in the Political Candidate track of the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Layth Raji is an Engineer currently working for Dhi Qar Oil Company. He is an active youth leader involved in various activities with a focus on youth issues and peace building in his community and provides support for youth political work. Layth was also elected as President of the Iraqi Youth Parliament, an official institution that represents Iraqi youth under the supervision of the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Technology, Baghdad. He is participating in the Political Candidate track of the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Marwah Al-Tekreeti is from Tikrit and she is currently working with the Danish Mine Action Group at the Danish Refugee Council as a mine awareness facilitator. She led a campaign with a team called the Protectors of Tigris aimed at protecting the Tigris River from pollution and other hazards. Marwah also holds multiple certificates through which she gained experience in TOT and essential skills to work in international NGOs. Marwah has a Master’s degree in English from Tikrit University. She is participating in the Political Candidate track of the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Maryam Al-Hasnawi is an Engineer from Baghdad. She also worked as a Writer for several newspapers, such as Azzaman and Asharq Al-Awsat with a focus on social issues. Maryam has a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Baghdad. She is participating in the Political Candidate track of the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

May Al-Hadeethi is the Director and Public Relations Officer at the Islamic Association Of Iraqi Women‏ – Anbar Office. She is also leading a project aimed at fostering people’s participation in enhancing security where her team works to rebuild trust between people and security forces in Anbar. In addition to her degree in Journalism, May is also a certified trainer in Human Development since 2015. She is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Maytham Al-Hammad is the Public Relations Officer in the Iraqi Red Crescent Society in Basra and a volunteering member in Iraqi Al-Amal Association and Al-Nama’a Center for Human Rights. He was also a member of the national team to write the human rights violation report presented to stakeholders in Geneva. Maitham also led a campaign to advocate reviewing and editing the draft law of freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration. He also worked to provide support for the IDP camps in Basra. Maitham is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Mohamed Taleb is an Accountant at Al Khaleej Company from Anbar. He previously worked as a supervisor monitoring the 2018 Iraqi national elections. Mohamed has a Bachelor’s degree in business management from Al Hamdaniya University. He is participating in the Political Candidate track of the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Mohammed Al-Minehil is the Deputy Director and team leader of the Volunteering Network at the Vision Center for Innovation and Development in his city, Al-Muthanna. He is also co-founder of House of Happiness for Orphans Care, Noorelhassan Institute for Blind, and the Family Counseling Center in Muthanna. Earlier, Mohammed was the head of cultural committee at the Skilled Iraqi Woman Foundation. Due to his experience as a trainer, he was the coordinator of Muthanna City at the Institutional Development Academy (IDA). Mohammed is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Mohammed Al-Hakeem is Co-Founder of the Iraqi Association of Agronomists in Baghdad and one of its board members. He is also an activist who is committed to raising awareness about the climate and environment issues in Iraq. Mohammed also advocates in his community for the 15th goal of Sustainable Development Goals, “Life on Land,” through two projects he’s currently implementing: a waste recycling project, and the forestation of schools and government institutions. Mohammed holds a Master’s degree in Agronomy and a Bachelor’s degree in Law. He is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Murooj Hasan is a human rights advocate who has more than 5 years of voluntary and working experience. Her work specifically focuses on initiating and exerting advocacy efforts and she has led several initiatives to organize public advocacy events and meetings with key decision-makers in her province, Salahaddin. Her advocacy efforts focus on issues such as child marriage, children and adolescent dropouts from school, honor-based crimes, gender-based violence, and political and societal reconciliation in Iraq. She is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Mustafa Hameed is the team leader of Mudafi’on (Advocates) Team to Protect and Foster Human Rights in Salahaddin, where he is working with his teammates on documenting the torturing and human rights violations committed against prisoners in jails and submitting these reports regularly to the United Nations Human Rights Council. Mustafa is also an active member of Al-Nama’a Center’s team to investigate the fate of protestors who were victims of enforced disappearance or abduction. He is also a founding member of the Reading Festival in his city, Samarra. Mustafa is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Omar Najm is an HR Manager at Success Network 21, a civic institution in Ninawa. Through his social activism work, Omar led various workshops to raise awareness, empower, and motivate youth to participate in the elections and develop their skills to be able to run in the elections. He has a Master’s degree in Business Administration and he is participating in the Political Candidate track of the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Omer Al-Fahdawi is a social activist from Ramadi. He had participated as a volunteer in many humanitarian campaigns to distribute food baskets and new clothes to low-income families. Omer took part in a roundtable discussion between senior officials and civil society activists in Anbar to address the main issues facing the city. He was also a member of the organizing committee of the first Book Fair in Anbar and the Bazaar Noon campaign to support women. Omar is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Qutaiba Yaseen is a Dentist and holds his B.D.S from Ibn-Hayyan University. He’s a Co-founder of the Political Awareness Club in Najaf and has worked as a Researcher at Alrafidain Center for Dialogue. Qutaiba has a deep passion in politics and often writes about public affairs and is a freelance translator of political articles and research papers. He is participating in the Political Candidate track of the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Saif Al-Karaawi is a professional radio presenter and activist from Najaf. He is also a Livelihood Coach with the Iraqi Al-Amal Association and Bint Al-Rafidain Organization. During his previous work with Y-Peer as a liaison officer, Saif also co-founded the Interactive Theatre in Najaf. He worked earlier with UNFPA to provide psychological and rehabilitation sessions for the women who survived violence, where he conducted more than 250 sessions for different groups. Saif is a volunteer in many youth campaigns providing media support. He is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Sami Rasho is a social activist and English teacher from Sinjar. He moved to Qadya Camp for IDPs in Duhok after the invasion of ISIS, where he joined Yahad Organization. In addition to English tutoring lessons he gives to the camp residents, Sami is leading campaigns to distribute food, medicine, and financial aid to families in need. Earlier, he was a member of the cultural assemblage of Harikar Organizations where he volunteered to organize English classes. Sami is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Sara Ali is a Livelihood Coach with Kurdistan Economic Development Organization (KEDO) in Halabja. She is also a volunteering member in the Jingedosty campaign to raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainability. Earlier, Sara worked as a Psychosocial Support Coach with Youth Activity Organizations. In addition to her degree in English Literature, Sara holds certificates in training, entrepreneurship, and research. She is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Shivan Fazil is a Program Specialist with the United States Institute of Peace from Erbil. Prior to that, he worked with OXFAM Iraq as a Senior Policy & Media Officer and with Middle East Research Institute as the Director of Communications. Shivan often writes opinion and analysis pieces with a focus on issues facing KRG, Iraq, and the region. He has a Master’s degree in Middle East Politics from School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. Shivan is participating in the Political Candidate track of the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Shkar Abdullah is an English teacher with the English Zone Institute in Kirkuk. She led a campaign to raise awareness about the impacts of intrafamilial sexual abuse on female teenagers’ engagement in social activities and how to mitigate the effects of this violent act on their psychological conditions. As she holds a Master’s Degree in English, Shkar is also working on translating medical and psychological reports about education, psychology, and domestic violence from English to Kurdish to benefit her community. She is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Wisam Nadhim is a civil and political activist from Salahaddin. He participated in various trainings with a focus on peacebuilding, transformational Leadership, and capacity building for civil Society held by the Iraqi Hope Association, UNFPA, and Tikrit Center for Voluntary Work. Wisam has a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Tikrit University. He is taking part in the Political Candidate track of the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Wurood Ahmed works with the Iraqi Women Rights Organization in her hometown, Baghdad. Through her work with the women rights organization, she leads a team that provides support to women and children in cases of violence and relief. Wurood has a Bachelor’s degree in Languages from the University of Baghdad. She is participating in the Political Candidate track of the Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.

Zahra Al-Alaq is a Trainer with ARATC for Training and Development in Basra. She also volunteered to work with I CARE (Iraqi Children Aid & Repair Endeavour) to support children of families in need. In addition to her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Zahra holds certificates in training, project management, and human resources management. She is planning to start her own organization to train and empower fresh graduates to help them compete in the job market. Zahraa is participating in the Social Activist Track of Iraq Leadership Fellows Program.